Sonny Bill urges vaccinations against meningoccal C

Sonny Bill Williams is encouraging Kiwis to avoid meningococcal disease. Photo / File

Rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has posted a video on YouTube and Facebook urging youngsters to get vaccinated against meningococcal C.

The All Black recorded the personal message as a vaccination programme aimed at Northland youth enters its final week this week.

Williams said he had been involved with a meningitis charity in Australia since he was 18 and it was a cause close to his heart.

"I've seen kids struggle after getting meningitis, they've lost arms and legs and even gone deaf - so this is about awareness. I'm proud to say I'm supporting this campaign. You think it couldn't happen to you but it does. It's such a nasty disease, it spreads like wildfire."

In the video he says, "The vaccination is free until December 16 so tell your cuzzies, your whanau to get in there and get that shot. Because, like I've said, it's a really nasty disease and it's pretty serious up in Northland at the moment."

More than 30,000 children and youth across Northland have been vaccinated against meningococcal C so far.

With a target of 85 per cent now within reach, Northland DHB Medical Officer of Health Clair Mills appealed to those not yet vaccinated to act now.

Friday is the final day of the free vaccination programme.

"This vaccine is not cheap, if you have not been vaccinated by Friday, you will be expected to pay for it. This is a serious disease and we are offering the vaccination for free, please don't wait, you can go to your GP or one of our community clinics" she said.

Health workers are pushing to ensure all Northlanders aged 12 months to under 20 years take advantage of the free programme, established following a community outbreak of meningococcal C, including three deaths.

Dr Mills said the team appreciated Williams coming forward to help spread the message.